Pottery

We went to visit a pottery maker last week, and had to take the train from Tokyo. Since it was in the rural area, we had to take the local train and it was quite slow.


The end result of pottery (known as "Yakimono" in Japanese) provides useful articles and objects of art at the same time. Some of these may be practical items that can be used in the home, and some may be used as adornment to enhance the beauty of the room.
In Japan, due to the various periods and districts in which pottery is made, each of them has their own distinctive features.

Rokuro: Pots are usually shaped on a potter's wheel. This wheel is turned with the feet or hands.

This seem to be the most difficult stage in pottery making as the potter has to make sure the shape turns out well and that consistency is maintained throughout the body of the pottery produced.

If you are interested in seeing other types of Iga Pottery, please visit UniqueJapan.
We are in the midst of producing a video on how these are made soon!

Good luck Talisman

A good luck talisman is known as "Engimono" in Japanese. It is believed that the engimono brings good luck, and are mainly sold at shops within shrine grounds. People buy them in the hope of having a better fortune.

Today I will share with you a form of the Daruma Doll, which is somewhat like an engimono.

The Japanese buys a Daruma doll when he/she wants to make a wish.

When the doll is bought, one of the eyes is painted in. If the wish does in fact come true, they will paint in the other eye as a sign of gratitude. Election candidates always have one of these dolls in their campaign office.

Getting a Daruma doll is good as a gift for new-borns as it is believed to give good health to both the mother and baby. It can also be a suitable gift for weddings as well.

If you want to have your own Daruma doll, please visit UJ.

Photo shooting

We will be bringing new products to Unique Japan soon.

We have just completed a photo shooting session yesterday for some new Unique Japan products. The subjects being photographed were the Kanazawa-haku products, something I personally like since I'm interested in gold and silver products with a tinge of tradition.

Kanazawa-haku, literally means “gold leaf from Kanazawa”. Kanazawa, a region that sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japan Alps, produces 99% of Japan's high-quality gold leaf. Its traditions span as far back as 800AD. The world-famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple) in Kyoto is covered almost entirely in gold-leaf was produced in Kanazawa. The region is also famous for its lacquer ware, (Kanazawa shikki) thus making this a fantastic representation of the quality of work from the region.





The above pictures are just some of the colours of Haku gold. The process employed to create these products are authentic. I can't wait to share them with you all ;)

What is important?

I love shopping, going around different department stores and boutiques. Especially when I'm travelling around the world, I find delight in this, trying to find my favourite stores.

I sometimes wonder what I should buy, how to choose the best item possible. I prefer something which last longer, which are not temporal. Things like jewelery, clothes, shoes and gifts.

In Japan, the largest shopping areas are found in Tokyo. Just about any city and town have their own departmental stores. You'll be able to find your own favourite store and item too. There's always something new to enjoy.



A Japanese-style pattern imprinted on the wall.

One type of Daruma doll, they're all hand-made.

Washi lamp, which is made of Japanese authentic paper.

Furniture and Matching Interior Items

1. Japanese Gold and Silverware from the Ishikawa prefecture.
Let the glimmer of the products enrich & enhance the mood in your home.



2. Glass & crystalware with matching colour scheme.
Each comes with a full set of serving plates and glasses.



3. Fine Japanese crafts
Complement your dining set with Minoyaki ceramic ware from the town of Tajimi (多治見).



4. Wood shelf
Original in design and very practical, this wooden piece can be adapted to any style. Placed in the living room or reading room, it will certainly be a handsome addition to the home.



5. Table setting
Some elegant ideas for decorating the home.




Exceptional Japanese Product Design
The precision and technical expertise of Japanese-made products are well-known throughout the world. They are also famous for integrating traditional Japanese elements into modern and yet practical products.

You light up my life

Some of the latest products that are currently being offered on the Unique Japan website :


Tall Traditional-style Maple Leaf Paper Lamp


Bamboo Handle Autumn Leaves Standing Lamp

If you are interested in any of these, you can find a more extensive collection here.

Imagine how wonderful you room will look like with one of these in it!

Rainy Season

Hello Everyone. I'm sorry I have not posted up recently.

Today I will show up our new super products with traditional of Kyoto







Traditional Janome Wagasa Umbrella from Kyoto

Completely handmade in Kyoto from bamboo and Japanese washi paper, the Janome Wagasa (umbrella) is truly an impressive work of art. The name Janome means “snake eye” as the white ring navigating around the Wagasa resembles the eye of a snake. Strong traditional flax oil is applied to the Janone Wagasa to waterproof them, making it usable in any amount of rain. The gentle patter of the rain on the Wagasa is a sound so pure and hypnotic - a rhythmic dance unlike any other you’ve heard before. Over time, the flax oil will turn the colour of the umbrella into flaxen, which actually improves its strength. It is important to understand that the fading colour does not represent deterioration in any way. In fact, the elegant flaxen colour is more desirable and one to appreciate by its owner.

Details:
・Width: 116cm (45.7”) Height: 73cm (28.7”)
・Handmade and hand-painted in Kyoto using techniques unchanged for over 5 generations
・Strong traditional flax oil is applied to the Janone Wagasa to waterproof the product
Made from natural Japanese bamboo and organic washi paper
・The bamboo ribs attached to the washi paper form a brilliant contrast between the colors of the paper and the bamboo.
・There are two notches on the handle. Use the lower notch in stronger winds to prevent the umbrella from being damaged.
・A wonderfully unique product, the envy of those walking by!

Geisha, Maiko & Janome

The Janome Wagasa is famously associated with Kyoto’s Maiko (apprentice geisha) and Geisha, as it perfectly compliments a traditional Kimono. Often Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the Edo period (1603-1867) will feature these beautiful women with a Janome Wagasa, a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Janome Wagasa also plays an important role in Kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese theatre.

＊If you have special order like big one, we might accept you’re ordered.

New 2007 Hagoita in Tokyo

Here is the one of the traditional Products in Japan that name is "Hagoita".

When i went department store event `handy craft in Tokyo", i found such a prenty of various products there.

Today i will let you share our most marvelous products to you**

Normally At New year, People play battledores and shuttlecock. The hagoita is a wooden paddle used in a game similar to badmiton. It's usually decorated with beautiful drawings. Even though kids don't play this game much any more, the paddle itself is valued as an ornament that is believed to bring good luck.

Started around 350 years ago duing the Edo-priod (1603 ~ 1868).

Interesting ;)

Special 60-bone Hand Fan

60-bone bamboo and silk hand fans
KINGYO (handpainted red goldfish design)

This is the world's first hand fan made with 60 pure bamboo bones. Its smooth, flexible wave creates aromatic wafts of air that gently cool the user. Its graceful design also comes packaged in an attractive wooden box for excellent gift giving.

The top portion of the hand fan is made of silk and is handpainted by a professional artist. Here, the art work is of adorable red goldfish - known as "kingyo" in Japanese.

The Japanese believe that the top of the handle of the hand fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the ribs represent the paths of life leading in all directions bringing good fortune and happiness. Thanks to its magnificent, natural beauty and craftsmanship, Japanese fans have become an intrinsic symbol of Japanese culture.

The handfan featured above was created by the artist you see just below. Only available in Japan, naturally.

To order this handfan, please visit Unique Japan - click here!

Easy-to-Use Tofu Chopsticks!

Today I would like to introduce to you our super amazing Tofu chopsticks.
These chopsticks are really different from anything you might see in a regular shop that sells ordinary chopsticks. Tofu is usually very difficult to pick up with chopsticks due to its soft texture. Well, these specially designed HANDMADE chopsticks, eating tofu has never been easier! We heard that tofu is now trendy in Hollywood as a health food. Well, whether you are some superstar from Hollywood (or not!) you'll love this product.
And they are only $ 15. Click here to order for Christmas!






★★How to use Chopstickes ★★

Practice makes perfect when it comes to using chopsticks.

1. Hold the upper chopstick with the index finger, the middle finger, and the thumb.
2. Put the other chopstick between the bottom of the thumb and the tip of the ring finger.
3. Move the upper chopstick only when you pick up food.
4. Enjoy!! That's the most important thing to do!


In Japan, high-quality chopsticks are a very common wedding gift. Since a wedding is a celebration of 2 people becoming a family, 2 sets of chopsticks are considered lucky, and with it, good fortune should come to them. Pretty nice gift, don't you think?

Please have a look at our selection of beautiful, authentic Japanese chopsticks at Unique Japan, click here!

Cast-iron wind chime (Furin)

The melodious sound of traditional Japanese wind chimes, known as “furin”, lifts spirits and soothes the soul. Our handmade cast-iron wind chimes are something very special, hung indoors near a window or outside from the eaves, as it is often done in Japan.

Above is a photo of a traditional furin hanging from a Japanese Temple.

See our collection of wind chimes here!

2007 - Year of the "Wild Boar" (Inoshishi)

Next year, 2007, is the year of the wild boar, or "Inoshishi" in Japan. It is said that "Inoshishi" people are honest and have a strong sense of individuality

In the back of this photo is a beautiful Japanese gold-leaf screen. The cost of this magnificent piece is approximately 10,000 USD. If you are interested in purchasing this item, please contact us here. Serious inquiries only.

Hannya mask Noh character, Japan

The Hannya mask, with its horns and sharp fangs, is probably the best known of all Noh masks. This character was once a beautiful woman who fell in love with a priest. Her unrequited love causes her to turn into a monster who expresses the fury of a woman overwhelmed by jealousy and anger.
Mayumi